Antarctic Peninsula Cruises

Starting from $7,950

Cruise south of the Antarctic Circle and explore the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula on this 11-night departure. Travel aboard the comfortable Plancius as we encounter several species of penguins, whales, seals, seabirds and more.

Itinerary

In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located on the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.

Day 2-3: At sea, en-route to the Antarctic Peninsula where we cross the Antarctic Convergence

During these two days, we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area, we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black-browed Albatrosses, Light-mantled Albatrosses, Cape Petrels, Southern Fulmars, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we spot our first icebergs.

Day 4-9: Antarctica! We will see Gentoo Penguins, Chinstraps and southern Giant Petrels, as well as Elephant Seals

We may start our first day in Antarctica with a landing at Hannah Point, where we will find a nice variety of Gentoo Penguins, Chinstraps and southern Giant Petrels, as well as Elephant Seals hauling out on the beach. At Deception Island is a sub-ducted crater, which opens into the sea creating a natural harbor for the ship. Here we find hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, thousands of Cape Petrels and many Kelp Gulls, Brown and South Polar Skuas and Antarctic Terns. Wilson’s Storm Petrels and Black-bellied Storm Petrels nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay. On our way further South we call at Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island. It contains a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. In Neko Harbor and Paradise Bay with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, we have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent. We aim for a for zodiac cruise between the icebergs in the inner parts of the amazing waterway of Paradise Bay. We sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Petermann Island offering Adélie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. We also try to land at Pléneau Island with a fair chance to encounter Humpback and Minke Whales. Overnight we head south along the Argentine Islands to Crystal Sound and cross the Polar Circle in the morning. We aim to make a landing at the abandoned British station on Detaille Island which is likely to be our furthest south. The landscape is very impressive with very high mountains and huge glaciers. We may reach the Fish Islands on the way northwards were we encounter one of the southernmost Adélie Penguin and Blue-eyed Shag colonies in the Antarctic Peninsula. Sailing north again through Neumayer Channel and Gerlache Strait, we arrive at the Melchior Islands with a very beautiful landscape with icebergs, where we may encounter Leopard Seals, Crabeater Seals and whales. Throughout this area offers excellent opportunities for kayaking and diving in the pristine Antarctic environment.

Day 10-11: At sea

On our way north we are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage.

Included

All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea

All shore excursions by Zodiac and activities throughout the voyage

Lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

Comprehensive pre-departure material

Adventure Options

Diving: $530

Group size: min. 8, max. 24 divers

Kayaking: $465

Group size: min.4, max. 14 kayakers

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of expedition cruising, itineraries are subject to change due to weather, ice conditions, natural and cultural events, wildlife viewing opportunities and other logistical considerations. In general, a ship's crew will endeavor to complete the itinerary provided, but the ultimate decision lies with the ship's captain and expedition leaders.